Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
Revolutionaries often become the oppressors they fought against or are cast out.
In plain terms
Those who start revolutions usually end up as tyrants or outcasts.
What can you take from it?
Recognize the cyclical nature of revolution and power.

Where it applies

  • political analysis
  • historical study
  • ethical debate

Putting it to work

  • study revolutions
  • analyze power
  • question authority

Questions to consider

  • Can revolution change power?
  • Who protects against tyranny?

Another view

Not all revolutions end in oppression.

More from Albert Camus

  1. Every rebellion implies some kind of unity.

    Permalink to quote #85
  2. Nothing can discourage the appetite for divinity in the heart of man.

    Permalink to quote #87
  3. Every ideology is contrary to human psychology.

    Permalink to quote #84

Related quotes

  1. Revolutions are the locomotives of history.

    Nikita KhrushchevNikita Khrushchev quote #24
  2. The iron hand crush'd the Tyrant's head And became a Tyrant in his stead.

    William BlakeWilliam Blake quote #155
  3. The worst of revolutions is a restoration.

    Charles James FoxCharles James Fox quote #2